M365 Cloud Security Architect Associate manager / Manager

Avanade is looking for an experienced Cloud Security Architect to join our security practice. This is a client-facing role where you will be engaged in some of the most exciting, complex, and leading-edge projects. You will play an active role in transforming our client’s Cyber Defence strategy, capabilities, and operations through the design and implementation of predominantly Microsoft Threat Protection technologies. You will also be part of the Avanade Security presales and Architecture function, creating proposals and solutions for our largest, most complex enterprise clients. This role will include partial delivery expectations for the year.

In this role, you will:

• Lead large projects and project teams.
• Manage deliverables and be responsible for delivering against critical milestones.
• Engage in solution architecture and pre-sales deal shaping.
• Develop and maintain long-term strategic client relationships.
• Design, implement, and integrate security, incident, and event management solutions into Security Operations, with a particular interest in Azure Sentinel.
• Understand threat modelling, risk, and how to mitigate risks concerning applications from internal and external threat actors.
• Have a deep understanding of incident response processes and techniques for cyber recovery.
• Understand security operations centres, their functions, and roles.
• Have a good understanding of the Microsoft platforms across Windows, Microsoft 365, and Azure.
• Understand techniques and approaches used by threat actors to compromise companies.
• Apply the MITRE ATT&CK framework to help customers improve their cyber defence.
• Understand the business, privacy, security, and compliance challenges surrounding client data and articulate the types of assets that would be seen as valuable and susceptible to attack.
• Be aware of emerging technologies in the Cyber Defence and cloud security space.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the account teams and client stakeholders.
• Identify customer needs and understand business goals to envisage a high-level solution and winning strategy.
• Develop detailed security transformation and operations opportunities based on the capabilities, standardised tools, processes and partner technology with the security architects and other technology partners.
• Drive and be involved in the proposal, solution presentations and discussions.
• Conduct and follow through the sales process to accomplish deal closure.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advanced Microsoft Security Certifications such as: SC-100, SC-200, SC-300, SC-400, SC-900.
• Industry-recognised certifications such as: CISSP, CCSP, CISM, SANS.
• In-depth knowledge of Azure Security tools: key knowledge of Security Copilot, Azure Sentinel, and Defender for Cloud to monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents. Configure and manage these tools to ensure real-time threat detection and response.
• Security Architecture Design: Design and implement robust security architectures for cloud-based applications and services, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• RFP Responses: Prepare and review responses to Requests for Proposals related to cloud security, ensuring all security requirements are addressed and communicated to potential clients.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on the latest security trends, technologies, and threats, and continuously improve security processes and tools to enhance overall security posture.
• Strong knowledge of Azure Security tools, including Security Copilot, Azure Sentinel, and Azure Defender for Cloud.
• Experience with security incident management and response.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for cloud security.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead RFP responses related to cloud security and Managed Security Services.

Beneficial Knowledge:

• Familiarity with the Defender suite of products, including Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Cloud App Security.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or Azure Security Engineer.
• Experience with other cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud) and their security tools.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

At Avanade, we advance the world through the power of people and Microsoft. Join us to shape your skills and the future with bold ideas and innovative solutions. Our partnership with Microsoft and Accenture empowers you to unlock your full potential. Working at Avanade offers the chance to build a career path that suits your skills and interests and the freedom to be your authentic self. We are committed to your growth, well-being, and success. This is where passion meets opportunity, technology meets humanity, and every challenge is a chance to make a genuine impact on colleagues, clients, and communities. Together, we do what matters.